Mitsubishi Reliability UK 2026

How reliable is a Mitsubishi? Here’s a data-led reliability profile based on first-time MOT pass rates, model-level breakdown, top failure categories, and a buyer’s verdict.

By Bertram Sargla, Founder, MOT CheckupLast updated: 2026-05-16Data sourced from DVSA

Mitsubishi reliability snapshot: first-time MOT pass rate 79.3% (+15.3 pp vs the UK average of 64%). Across 8 Mitsubishi models, the typical dangerous-defect rate is 1.77% and the average retest rate is 13.8%. Mitsubishi clusters around the UK first-time MOT pass average. Reliability varies more by model than brand here — see the model breakdown below before buying.

Mitsubishi first-time MOT pass rate

79.3%

Implied failure rate: 20.7% · UK average pass rate: 64%

vs UK average

+15.3 pp

Dangerous defects

1.77%

Retest rate

13.8%

How Mitsubishi compares to the UK average

The UK national first-time MOT pass rate is 64%, with about 36% of cars failing on the first attempt.Mitsubishi’s pass rate of 79.3% is 15.3 percentage points above that benchmark. That ’s a brand-average figure — individual Mitsubishi models range from the high 60s to above 90%, so model and age matter more than the badge.

Mitsubishi pass rate79.3%

UK average pass rate64%

Most reliable Mitsubishi models

Ranked by first-time MOT pass rate across our reliability dataset. Restricted to models with meaningful sample size.

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

2017–present · sample ≈10k

83.2%

Mitsubishi Mirage

2012–present · sample ≈8k

81.8%

Mitsubishi ASX

2010–present · sample ≈22k

80.5%

Most problematic Mitsubishi models

The Mitsubishi models in our dataset with the lowest first-time MOT pass rates. A low pass rate doesn’t mean a bad car — older platforms naturally accumulate wear faster — but it does mean a pre-purchase MOT history check is essential.

Mitsubishi Shogun

2000–2021 · sample ≈15k

75.5%

Mitsubishi L200

2005–present · sample ≈18k

77.2%

Mitsubishi Shogun Sport

2018–present · sample ≈5k

77.5%

Run a free MOT check on a specific Mitsubishi

Brand averages set expectations — a single car’s history is what actually decides whether it’s worth buying.

Free instant MOT history check at /free-mot-check.

Top MOT failure categories for Mitsubishi

Aggregated across 8 Mitsubishi models in our dataset, weighted by sample size.

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment

15.3%

Suspension

14.7%

Brakes

12.5%

Tyres

10.4%

Exhaust, fuel and emissions

8.3%

Mitsubishi reliability — FAQ

Is Mitsubishi a reliable car brand in the UK?

Mitsubishi's first-time MOT pass rate of 79.3% is above the UK national average of 64%, putting it in the average band of brands for MOT reliability. We track 8 Mitsubishi models in our dataset.

What is the most reliable Mitsubishi model for MOT?

Based on first-time MOT pass rates, the most reliable Mitsubishi models in our dataset are: Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross (83.2%), Mitsubishi Mirage (81.8%), Mitsubishi ASX (80.5%). Newer EV variants tend to score highest because they avoid emissions-related failures entirely.

Which Mitsubishi models fail their MOT most often?

In our dataset, the Mitsubishi models with the lowest first-time MOT pass rates are: Mitsubishi Shogun (75.5%), Mitsubishi L200 (77.2%), Mitsubishi Shogun Sport (77.5%). These tend to be older or higher-mileage models; the same name in a newer year often performs noticeably better.

What are the most common MOT failures on a Mitsubishi?

Aggregated across Mitsubishi models, the most common MOT failure categories are: lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment (15.3%), suspension (14.7%), brakes (12.5%). These align with the national pattern; lighting, suspension, and tyre defects dominate UK MOT failures across most brands.

Check a Mitsubishi’s MOT history

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Source: MOT Checkup analysis of DVSA MOT test data. Brand-average pass rate is sample-size weighted across 8 Mitsubishi models in our dataset. Individual cars vary considerably — always check the specific registration’s MOT history before buying.